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"The 39 Steps" is a campy, melodramatic spoof - Review by Carol Moore

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Fri, 07/07/2023 - 4:12pm by laughingcat

**** Recommended **** Drury Lane’s new production, The 39 Steps, kept me laughing from beginning to end.  By the way, if you’re thinking this is just an adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 moody black and white spy film that you’ve seen four times, forget about it!  That movie is an adaptation of a novel by John Buchan.  Although playwright Patrick Barlow did Buchan’s book as well as the movie for inspiration, he put his own spin on the story.  His version of The 39 Steps is a campy, melodramatic spoof with just four actors, playing all the parts.  Kudos to Director Johanna McKenzie Miller for a brilliant show.  If you’re looking for laughs, this is the show for you.  4 BIG Spotlights

The 39 Steps isn’t exactly a farce, but it has many of the elements of farce including a silly plot, tongue-in-cheek dialogue, rapid delivery, pratfalls, mistaken identities, crazy sound effects, slapstick comedy and characters placed in improbable situations.  

Angela Weber Miller’s gorgeous set, an elegant paneled drawing room filled with surprises – hidden doors, secret passages, revolving windows, mysterious nooks and crannies –  adds to the fun.  By the way, listen for allusions to other Hitchcock films like Rear Window, Psycho, Vertigo and North by Northwest. 

It is 1935, and Richard Hannay (Gavin Lee) has just returned to England after years abroad.  Since he’s gotten home, he can’t seem to figure out what to do with himself.  He doesn’t have a job, hates the weather, and just can’t seem to settle to anything. 

One night, Hannay goes to the theater, taking a seat in a box.  On the bill – a demonstration by Mr. Memory (Clown) who remembers every fact he’s ever heard.  A beautiful woman (Caitlin Gallogly) sits down next to Hannay.  As Mr. Memory answers questions, the woman shoots a gun, causing pandemonium. 

Just a note: with lightning fast costume changes – sometimes changing multiple times in the same scene – Zuhdi Boueri (Clown 1) and Tom Detrinis (Clown 2) play all the other (100 or so) parts; heroes, villains, spies, men, women, children and Scots.  These two actors were just amazing!!!!!

Using a “Boris & Natasha” kind of accent, the woman introduces herself as Annabella Schmidt.  She persuades Hannay to take her home with him.  She tells him she must get to Scotland because she’s uncovered a plot to sell military secrets to England’s enemies.  She tells him to beware of the 39 Steps, an espionage organization headed by a sinister man who is missing the top of his little finger.  In the morning, Hannay finds Annabella stabbed in the back.       

Hannay is accused of killing her, so he jumps on the first train to Scotland to save England.  As the so-called police search the train, he kisses a woman called Pamela (Gallogly) to divert them.  She turns him in to the police.  There’s an incredibly funny chase scene – on and off the train – and Hannay ends up handcuffed to Pamela. 

In Scotland, Hannay follows a woman called Margaret into a political rally – he ends up giving a somewhat incoherent campaign speech while trying to keep his handcuffed hand behind his back. 

In 2007, The 39 Steps won both the Olivier Award and the What’s On Stage Award for Best Comedy.  The Broadway production won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience in 2008.  That same year, it was nominated or six Tony Awards, winning two for Best Lighting Design in a Play and Best Sound Design

Note: Guests are encouraged but not required to wear masks while inside the building. 

The 39 Steps runs through August 13th at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace.  Parking is free.  Running time is approximately one hour, 40 minutes, with an intermission.  Performances are Wednesdays at 1:30 pm; Thursdays at 1:30 & 8:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 & 6:00 pm.  Tickets range from $85-$95.  FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylanetheatre.com.

 

Reviews by Carol Moore
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